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On Track Young Mentors Honored as Unsung Heroes by Women's Philanthropy Fund and United Way

Cynthia and Jazmin Acosta, 16 and 17, were among a select handful of little-known heroes in Orange County who were honored at the annual Women's Philanthropy Fund Breakfast. The Acosta sisters were recognized for their dedication to transforming the lives of young people in their gang-infested neighborhood. Cynthia and Jazmin serve as mentors in the award-winning Kids On Track program created and implemented by America On Track (dba Orange County On Track), a non-profit organization focused on empowering disadvantaged kids. The sisters have donated well over 400 hours to Orange County On Track over the past two years. Cynthia and Jazmin also serve as dedicated role models in the On Track mentoring/youth asset building program. This program partners with outstanding teens to help challenged elementary school students achieve their true potential through making good choices and understanding the consequences of those choices. It is a win-win for both mentors and mentees, who are trained to become future leaders in their community.

The Women's Philanthropy Fund benefits women and girls in Orange County, raising awareness and financial support through their annual breakfast in conjunction with the United Way. This year, heroes in Orange County were recognized for their contributions to serving others and making a difference. "We are so impressed by Cynthia and Jazmin, who are living in difficult circumstances yet give of themselves to improve the lives of children in their own neighborhood," said Judy Fox Brandt, co-chair of the Women's Philanthropy Fund Breakfast. "They are truly deserving of the honor and recognition, and represent role models to teens across the county."

Terry Thompson, co-founder and president of Orange County On Track, added, "Cynthia and Jazmin selflessly pass along their passion for empowering youth to the many young people they work with each day. All of us at On Track are thrilled to have them recognized for what they are doing."

Cynthia and Jazmin invest their time mentoring and assisting in the Kids On Track lessons by giving dynamic presentations to empower youth to stay away from gangs and drugs, and to stay on course academically as well. They also help on evenings and weekends with On Track's community advocacy/health promotion programs.

Also honored as unsung heroes at the event were Kami Jacobsen, Martine Wehr, Dr. DeVera Heard, Gladys Reynolds, and Barbara Sulzbach.

About America On Track

America On Track, d.b.a. Orange County On Track, is an award-winning nonprofit organization with extensive experience in the fields of mentoring, drug and violence prevention, health and fitness, youth leadership development, and community collaboration. On Track's vision is to create a safer and more compassionate society by providing hope, creating opportunities, and promoting non-violence and respect for people of all cultures. The mission of Orange County On Track is to improve the social conditions of underserved children and families by providing them with a support system and life-transforming programs focused on mentoring, youth asset building, academic enrichment, health and fitness, gang and drug prevention, and leadership. For more information, visit www.OCOnTrack.org.

HKA, Inc.
Robyn Williams, 714-426-0444
robyn@hkamarcom.com